Thyroid Hormones

Class Summary

These agents are administered to supplement thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is the preferred form of thyroid hormone replacement in all patients with hypothyroidism.
[81] Desiccated thyroid is an obsolete medication made from pooled animal tissue. Desiccated thyroid should not be used.

Also known as L-thyroxine, T4, and thyroxine. A thyroid hormone with proven record of safety, efficacy, and ease of use. In active form, influences growth and maturation of tissues. Involved in normal growth, metabolism, and development.

References

Harris KB, Pass KA. Increase in congenital hypothyroidism in New York State and in the United States. Mol Genet Metab. 2007 Jul. 91(3):268-77. [Medline].

Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD Adjunct Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology